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Bell’s Palsy

Disorders of the facial nerve, which lead to facial paralysis, occur in men, women and children, yet they are most prominent in men and women who are 40 years or older, people with diabetes, upper respiratory ailments, weak immune systems, or pregnant women. One of the most common forms of facial paralysis is called Bell’s Palsy.

Bell’s Palsy results in a dysfunction of the facial nerve (the nerve that controls your expressions), causing an inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Several factors can cause facial paralysis, including:

Brain tumors

Stroke

Myasthenia gravis

Lyme disease

However, if there is no cause identified for facial paralysis, the condition is known as Bell’s Palsy.

Bell’s Palsy is named after the anatomist Charles Bell, who first discovered it, and it is the most common disease involving only one nerve. Furthermore, it is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis.

There are several forms of treatment, including steroids, antivirals, and surgery – but the best thing to do when experiencing the symptoms of facial paralysis is to contact a trained otolaryngologist who can help diagnose and treat the condition.

Symptoms include:

One side of the face drooping

Facial tingling

Moderate or severe headache/neck pain

Memory problems

Balance problems

If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, please contact Alexandria Otolaryngology Associates by clicking here.

For more information about Bell’s Palsy, visit our online library by clicking the link.